Gaissert HA, Grillo HC, Shadmehr MB, Wright CD, Gokhale M, Wain JC, Mathisen DJ. Uncommon Primary Tracheal Tumors.
Ann Thorac Surg 2006;
82:268-72; discussion 272-3. [PMID:
16798228 DOI:
10.1016/j.athoracsur.2006.01.065]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2005] [Revised: 01/16/2006] [Accepted: 01/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Primary tracheal tumors other than adenoid cystic or squamous cell carcinoma are uncommon and have a heterogeneous histologic appearance. The experience regarding their treatment and long-term outcome is limited, and alternatives to segmental tracheal resection, including endoscopic treatment or radiation, continue to be explored.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed of uncommon tracheal tumors among 360 primary tracheal tumors seen over 40 years, excluding adenoid cystic and squamous cell carcinoma.
RESULTS
Of 90 patients, 34 (38%) had benign tumors and 56 malignant: 11 carcinoid tumors, 14 mucoepidermoid carcinomas, 13 sarcomas, 15 nonsquamous bronchogenic carcinomas, 2 lymphomas, and 1 melanoma. Three patients had a second tracheal malignancy. Dyspnea was the most common symptom in benign tumors and hemoptysis in malignant tumors. Twelve patients did not undergo tracheal resection (13.3%) and 1 died before resection. Surgical therapy in 77 patients (85%) consisted of laryngectomy in 3, laryngotracheal resection in 9, tracheal resection in 46, and carinal resection in 19. Hospital mortality was 2.6% (2 of 77 patients) and major complications occurred in 16% (12 of 77 patients). Mean follow-up was 9.7 years. After resection, survival at 10 years was 94% for benign and 83% for carcinoid tumors, and at 5 years survival was 60% for bronchogenic carcinoma, 100% for mucoepidermoid tumors, and 78% for sarcomas. Patients with lymphomas and melanoma are alive more than 8 years after resection. Ten patients experienced recurrence (14%).
CONCLUSIONS
Surgical resection of uncommon primary tracheal tumors alleviates airway obstruction, is curative in patients with benign or slow-growing malignant lesions, and prolongs survival in highly malignant lesions.
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